Bus body construction



June 7, 1938. Y lw. B. sToUT BUS BODY CONSTRUCTION l Filed Aug.'19, 1936 Y sheets-sheet .1 4

INVENTOR. lZZzdlfzf .5. Sazd BY A ATTORNEYS. Y

June 7, 1938. w. B. -sTouT BUS BODY CONSTRUCTION i Filed Aug. 19, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 i INVENTOR. M'Zlz'dm ,E 5Zoll?.

A TTORNEYS.

. June 7, 1938. \}v.-B. sToUT BUS BODYCONSTRUCTION v FiledAug. 19, 19:56

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 9 A TTORNE YS.

JuneY, 1938. w, BQ s'rouT l Bus BODY coNsTaUcTIoN Filed Aug. 19 1936 4 Sheets-Sheed 4 ATTORNEYS.

Patented June 7, 1938 UNITED STATESy PATENT OFFICE 2,119,655 BUS BODY coNs'rRUcTrN William B. Stout, Detroi Wood Industries, Inc., gan

t, Mich., assigner to' Gar' a corporation-of, Michiy Application August 19, 193s, semi No. sassi z'claims. .(01. 29e-2s) This invention relates to automotive vehicle body constructions.. More particularly it relates. to a novel and improved form of vehicle body construction primarily' adapted for use as a bus for carryinga relatively large number of passengers. w

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a bus body construction which is relatively cheap in construction, easily fabricated, and

whichv is extremely light in weight in comparison making possible greater strength and rigidityv 10 to the strength characteristics of the body as a of the structure as a whole. whole. y Yet -another object of the' present invention i'lif'he preseit igviyition coitemplageuiihe ptro-lconsists in the provision of a bus body construc- V S 0n 0 a uS 0 00mm' Slng a u al S 6e tion comprising a plurality of sheet metalmemframeWOIk t0 Which Sheet metal sheathing Panels bers secured directly to a tubular steel framework. vl5 are lecurecildand whici togthe With th frame 'I'he framework is of lsuch construction that the W01 DI'OV eS au .6X Teme y S IODE all fugge sheet metal anels rovidin the surface coverin construction vwhichis extremely light in weight of the `vehi1e as pa whois, not only serve tg and aTOIdS a maximum 0f available Space ntestrengthen and reinforce the framework co nriorly of the body. struction. but are of such configuration that `they -20 prfrth tf1?r'ntiifg mayd''eany fabm'ad and @Memento r v. of the body as a whole, after fabrication, consticullany oh and further objects ,ldmntdgesl tutos a unitary substantially integral Structure and features of the present invention will become including both the body framework and the chasdem, apparent from the following specificmp 25 sis of the vehicle as a' Single unit I tion when considered in connection with the ac- .It is an object of the present invention to pro-` companymg drawings forming a part thereofvide a bus body in which a maximum seating In the drawings: lcapaclti S1 gbaedf ldbmd Wmchta la'tively Fig. l-is a perspective view of a completely 0W Ver ca e g o e o y cons .uc on as a assembled bus embodying the improvements of .30 whole is provided, yet at the same time Aprovidthe present-invention; 1 irrigelailple headroom throughout portions of the Fig. 2 @an enlarged perspective View of the.

The present invention contemplates the provibusifhowrn 1 with h stlatm aind tlei sion of a framework comprising a pair oftrussons e-reo remove. 0 s ra e n e a 5 like, longitudinally extending relatively spaced e ramework consructwn composing the unif tary body and chassls frame; Y side frames which serve to support the passen- 1 ger carrying seat frames within the vehicle. Fig 3 1s a' side-elevatwnal View Withportmns., Thes trusslike frameworks are interconnected by exploded to Show-a' manner-1n which umtary as' transversely extending brace members wh'ich consombuves may .be Securediogether to make the '40 nect the frameworks at points substantially lower body ano chassis framework of the bos booy? than the upper surfaces thereof, thus providing Q F: lls o't'lnsiorsosotiolVogYfikn ill?" an aisle down' the middle of the bus which is dis- S an .lo Y on o no o gn f us To ng posed on a level considerably lower than the iioor inf detail the oross'seotional oonoguraton 0f' the level of the framework on which the seat frames framework andthe manner in which the mzmflooos'45"'A are mounted. 'Ihis construction is particularly are Secured'together t0 DIOYidefa IfeinfQCed 0nadaptable for use in vehicles of the type disclosed struction; in the present application inasmuch as it makes Fig'.5 iS an enlarged'fragmentary'sectional view, headroom available in the aisle of the bus where taken Substantially Oil the 111,11 5 *5 `f Fi'g- 4, such headroom is partlc'ulany needed; illustrating .in detail thema'rmer in which ,a -5o`A` Still further the present invention contem-- Spring mOu-Dting bracket fmay be`SCuIfed t0 the' plates the provision of al bus construction in framework; Y "j which the bodythereof includes a pair of long'ifFig. 6 is a front elevational 'view of the bus y tudln'ally' extending' trusslike framework membody with'the sheathing removed, 'illustrating'in" detail the'construction and'arrxamgeme'nt of tubug'i-Y bers, which framework .members are so constructed and arranged as to inherently provide recesses fo'r the mounting of the wheels of the vehicle and which are suiliciently widely spaced. apart to provide a well or recess at the rear end of the vehicle for mounting a driving unit. Still further the present invention contemplates the provision of a bus body construction in which the steel frames are a permanent integral part of a unitary body and chassis structure, thus Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view, taken" 9 9 fof Fig. 8,V illustrate substantially on the line ing in detail the relative levels of the interior floor structure of the bus body;

Fig. l0 is a rear elevational view of the busbody and chassis framework, illustrating in detail the construction of the tubular frame-members which serve to define thevwell. for mounting the motor; and y 'Fig. il is a fragmentary perspective view simi-K' lar to Fig. '7, illustrating in detail amodiiied form of seat construction and the modied manner in which the same is mounted interiorly of the bus body construction.

With more particular reference to the drawings, it will be seen that the framework structure for the bus body comprises a plurality of hollow steel tubular.. members welded together to provide a substantially integral body and chassis framework. The 'specific detailed vmanner in which these tubular members are disposed and secured together is shown as merely illustrative 'of oneparticularly satisfactory type of frame construction, and it will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial modification and departurestherefrom may be made, at

the same time retaining the generic inventive spirit of the present inventionvas hereinafter pointed out in greater detail.'

The

, tion includes a `pair of longitudinally extending tubular members l0 which extend throughout. the length of the seating portion of the bus and serve to define the outer and lower marginal edges of the body construction; Spaced inwardly from these outerlongitudi'nal tubularr members are a pair of longitudinally extending tubular frame members Il which are adapted, aswill hereinafter be seen, to define each of -the lateral edges of a sunken aisle portion of the bus.- .The longitudinal members ill and I I. on the respective sides of the bus framework are .interconnected by means of transversely extending brace membersV l2 which serve to maintain the longitudinaly members in substantially uniformly spaced relation throughout their length. Spaced av substantial distance below each of the longitudinally extending tubular framemembers il is alongitudinally extending frame member Il which4 runs substantially the entire longitudinal length of the bus as'completely assembled and is., joined to its respective frame member Il by.

means of suitable vertically extending tubular members il. While it will of course be appre- "ciated that the manner Iin which the` various.

tubular members making up the framework are joined isk not materialto .the present invention, 'it has 'been found manent and strong joint -will be obtained there. between and result in the formation of asubstantially integral and extremely rugged nal assembly... f `Each ofthe` longitudinally .extendingframe members Il plan of members. III and i3 are framework making up the body construey particularly desirable to weldv these members together in order that a per..

is joined to its respective longitudinally extending frame member I3 by means of a plurality of transversely extending brace mem bers I i which are preferably bent atA obtuse angles in order to' provide a rounded configuration at the lower peripheral edge of the b ody construction and to provide the necessary offset resulting from the difference disposed. The forward ends of the longitudinally extending members II' arev interconnected by a substantially U-shaped tubular member 20 which extends around and dennesthe front marginal edge portion of the A. suitable arcuately extending tubular.

body. member 2l may be secured to the forward portion of the brace member 2B and spaced downwardly therefrom by means of suitable vertically extending support members construction may be reinforced additionally by means of transversely extending members 23 and 2l joined to the arcuate members 2li and 22, re-

spectively, to provide a reinforced bumper con struction at the front end of the body forwardly -of the wheel housing structures hereinafter described. This front end construction not only serves to provide areinforced body construction forwardly of the wheels, but also serves to provide substantially rigid means for linterconnecting the longitudinally extending the members III, il and i3, together with their respective cross braces. 'Ihese longitudinally extending truss frames formed by the longitudinally extending members l0, Il and i3, together with their interconnecting. braces, are connected at* suitable spaced intervals throughout their length by horizontaltransversely extending tubularbrace members '25 which are permanently secured to the longitudinally extending members Il.

It will be seen that suitable flooring. not shown, may be utilized for covering the truss frames and that this ooring will extend between the outside longitudinal member lll and the inside longitudinal member Il and will be suitably supported at intermediate points by means ofthe transversely extending braces I2. Further floor-v ing, not shown, may be supported on the transversely extending brace members 25 and it will be seen that the flooring in the longitudinal central portion ofthe bus body will be disposed at a substantially lower level than the 4flooring on either side of this aisle. The bracing vstructure may be conveniently modified adjacent the forward end of one of the truss frames in order that end thereof on one in level on which the zz; This front end 7 truss frame formed b! veniently provided without material sacrice in Y strength. C

It is particularly desirable that the body as a `whole be constructed inl such va manner that its overall height will be reduced to the maximuml possible yet at the same time retaining adequate road clearance. Consequently, it is necessary to provide a somewhat modified structure in, order to accommodate the 'rear wheels of the vehicle. In order to provide housings for these wheels, an additional longitudinally extending member 3l is disposed above the member il in spaced relation thereto adjacent the region of the rear wheel housings of the' bus body. This longitudinally extending member is spaced. with vrespect to the longitudinally extending member III by means of suitable vertical tubular members Il and is transversely connectedvby means of suitable crossbraces 32 with a corresponding longitudinally extending member 33 'disposed directly above the longitudinally extending members I I bers 33 may be permanently secured jacent members II by means' of vertically extending braces 34. The' longitudinally -extending l struction having to the admembers 33 are preferably transversely interconnected across the aisle by means of suitable horizontally extending braces 36 which serve to provide, together with the* transversely extending members 32, support for flooring on a level substantially above the level oi' the aisle supported by the braces I the ooring supported by the longitudinally extending truss irame.

It will be appreciated by reference to the drawings that this structure provides for a ,floor level interiorly of the bus sulciently high to provide clearance 'for pairs of rear wheels 38 which are to be mounted in these wheel housings. 'I'he 1ongitudlnally extending tublarmembers II may be continuedv substantially rearwardly by means -of tubular members 42l which have connected therewith and spaced therebelow rearwardly extending 'tubular members. 43 which are interconnected therewith by means'of vertically extend'- ing spaced members 44. It will be apparent by reference to Fig. 10 that the tubular members 40 are bent around to be joined to the rearwardly extending truss frames 42. 43 and spaced substantially from each other to provide a well or recess at the rear portion of the bus and to .provide a frameworkA for mountinga motor power unit therein.` Y

The particular type of bus body illustrated in the present applicationis primarily designed for use in connection with a rear mounted motive, rpower unit. It will be understood'that the spe' cilc embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings is primarily intended for use with a motive power unit which is not only located in the rear of the bus body as a whole but is located at a point substantially rearwardly of the rear axle of the body and consequently the drive from the motor is forward from the motor tothe differential disposed between the rear wheels.

25 and slightly above the level of" formed by the members 44, and that these truss frames are yupon the members 3 the bus body. Suitable frame members 55 may be joined together to provide 'a frontend conthe desired exterior'conilguration and to' define windshield openings 55 at the forwardend o f the busv body asa whole. The roof and side walls of lthefbus bodyinclude a plurality oi' longitudinally extending tubular frame members 56 which are joined together by means of rounded transversely extending `brace members 51 at suitable intervals throughout the length of the vehicle. The lowermost of the longitudinally extending frame members 58 is disposed at a height suiciently far above the longitudinally extendingframe member I in order that it will lie substantially on the level desired for the base frame of vehicle seats to be mounted interiorly of the vehicle body. Y

'Ihe seats to be mounted interiorly of the body preferably comprise a generally rectangular base frame formed of suitable tubular members 60.

' which are connected at their ends to this lowermost longitudinally extending frame member 56. These members 60 are interconnected at their inner ends by means of a longitudinally extending brace 6I, which brace' 6I. is supported upon and directly above thelongitudinallyextending frame member II by A seat back frame is supported at its inner end 60 and 6I and aft its outer'end tothe next uppermost longitudinally extending means of suitable legs 62.

frame member 56 above the lowermost lmember 56 described below.

From the foregoing, it will be readily appreciated that the seat frame members provide a rigid interconnection between the lowermost pair of longitudinally extending frame members 56 and the truss frames, which, above, extend longitudinally of the vehicle ony eithervof the lateral sides thereof.

, In the modified form of the invention illustratedA in Fig. 1l of the drawings, `it will be appre- 'I'he provision of this rear vwell in the bus body construction provides a convenient means for removably mountingthe motive power unit therein. Further, it will be appreciated as a whole comprises a .p'air of longitudinally extending truss frameworks, which are each provided with housings adapted toreceive the front wheels and ladditional housings adapted to receive,

tion of the bus body. 'Ihe space between these the rear portion of the vehicle, serves to provide a well or recess for mounting of the motive power unit.

The forward portion of the bus body includes a plurality of rearwardly sloped tubular members 50 which are joined at`their lower forward ends to the inner and upper sides of lthe Atrusslike frameworks and serve to define thecowl or front portion of the bus. The rearwardly sloped frame members 50 may be interconnected by means of suitable brace members 5I, which serve to .support a plate 52 providing means for conveniently mounting a spare .wheel in the front portion of that the' bus body ci'atedthat theseat structure shown therein may be removably-mounted in the bus body if desired. In this form of the invention, a substantially rectangular seat base frame 66 is provided which is removably secured by means of a pair of bolts 61 to the lowermost longitudinally extending side frame member 56. 'I'he inner end of this rectangular frame member66 may be supported by means oi'A a. 'pair of legs 68, which may conveniently be bolted at their lower ends to the longitudinally extending frame member I I .of the truss framework. The seat yback "frames 69 may be substantially identical in construction with that described in connection with the seat construction shown in Fig. 7 except that, instead of being permanently secured at its outer end to the lonlongitudinally extending trusslike frameworks, at

-extending 'frame members s gitudinally extending frame member 56; itmay be conveniently bolted thereto, as shown.

The body construction at the rear portion of the bus is clearly seen in Fig. 10 and includes a plurality of upwardly and forwardly extending brace members 'I0 which may conveniently beiI joined at their forward ends to the rearwardlyi able tubular connecting brace members 1 I Additional bracing frame members 'I5 may interconnect these members to provide a reinforced structure having the desired exterior configuration for the rear portion of the bus and at the same time defining generally a well or recess at/tlrrear thereof between the longitudinally extending truss frames' to provide a convenient place for mounting the motor, as hasv been described above.

The rear bracing frame of the body may be 56 by means o'f suitas has been explained i braces 16.

'lateral sides of the aisle.

conveniently connected to the rearwardly extending/longitudinal member 5S by suitable tubular By reference to Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings. it will be seen generally streamline in shape and includes a sunken aisle 8 extending down the central portion of the interior thereof. The rear portion of the aisle 88 i's raised to provide a floor level- 8l, which is not only substantially above the floor level of the main portion of the aisle 80, but is also above the floor level of the portions `of .the interior of the bus 82 disposed upon each of the This provides arear wheel housing construction which provides ample room for relative` movement ofthe rear wheels, axle and differential with respect to the body of the vehicle. It will be seen that al plurality of seats 8 3 may be conveniently mounted on either side of the aisle and that one of the truss frames catinv with the aisle portion 80 in order to permit of the aisle 8E.' Itl will ciated that the sunken central aisle construction shown provides convenient means for access to the interior portion of the bus and that the roof thereof may be sufficiently low so that ample headroom is available for a passenger who' is standing in the aisle and at-the same time ample headroom is available for passengers seated in the 'seats 83, while ample headroom is not necessarily available for passengers who should perhaps be standing upon the floor portions on either side of 35' the aisle construction.

. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the transversely extendingbase members` venient means for supporting a bracket whichA may conveniently support a shackle 9| for supporting one end -of a spring 92 for mounting the rear wheels of the vehicle. This illustration amply shows the particularly easy manner in which the framework construction disclosed in this application lendsitself to the mounting `of the various essential portions of the vehicle with respect thereto.

After completion, the framework has been welded to. provide a substantially integral, relatively rigid construction. All joints of mating portions of the framework have been welded together, thus providing a rigid reinforced frame. Suitable sheathing 93 of sheet metal may be utilized for the purpose surface of the framework thus provided. This sheathing may be welded or bolted directly to the tubular `members making up the framework and serves together therewith to materially strengthen 'the frame as a whole. Q

The bus body in its completed form may include a plurality of windows thereof and windshield openings 96 at the forward ends. The sheathing may be interrupted to provide for a hingedly mounted trap door in that the bus body thus formed is further be readily appreture, said frameworks Hand l5 serve to provide conof covering the exterior around the sides order .to provide access to the spare tire mounting in the front portion of the vehicle. If desired. a door 98 may be mounted in the rear portion of the vehicle in order to provide access to the' lnterior of the bus at this point:

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that l while only one specific 'embodiment and construction of the bus has been illustrated and lcle-y scribed, many other and further modifications thereof falling within the scope of the invention as denned in the subjoined claims will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

I claim as my invention: Y

1. 'A bus body frame construction comprising a pair of longitudinally extending truss-like frameworks,'each of said frameworks including at least three longitudinally extending members disposed in substantially parallel relation, vertically extending members interconnecting a pair of said longitudinal members, upper sets of more than two transversely extending members serving to interconnect said longitudinally extending members, corresponding lower sets of transversely extending members serving further to interconnect said longitudinally extending members, all of said members in each framework being welded together to Vprovide a rigid unitary strucbeing disposed in substantially spaced parallel relation, braceV members the same general plane-as said lower set of transversely extending members to provide an aisle supporting structure located between said frameworks, 'and additional longitudinally extending members secured to said frameworks at the rear thereof whereby to provide means for mounting a motor therebetween. l v

2. A bus body frame construction comprising a pair of longitudinally extending truss-like frameworks, each of said frameworks including at least lthree longitudinally extending members disposed in substantially parallel relation, vertically extending members interconnecting a pair of said longitudinal members, upper sets of more than two transversely extending members serving to interconnect said longitudinally extending members, corresponding lower sets of transversely ex' tending members serving further to interconnect said longitudinally extending members, all of said members in each framework being welded together to provide a rigid unitary structure, said frameworks being vdisposed in substantially spaced parallel relation, brace members interconnecting said frameworks and disposed in the same general plane as said lower set vof transversely extending members to provide an aisle supporting structnre'located between said frameworks, wall frames anchored to and extending upwardly from the outboard side of said frameworks, and seat frames anchored to said frameworks whereby to reinforce the joints therebetween. Y

WILLIAM B. STOUT both said wall frames and 

